Looking for a Christmas cookie that’s as sweet and festive as the holiday season itself? Look no further than these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Soft, chewy, and packed with sweet, buttery flavor, these cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. They’re a holiday classic that everyone will love—and they’re surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These cookies are truly a treat for the senses. The dough is perfectly soft and gooey, and the powdered sugar coating gives them that festive touch we all crave around Christmas. They’re super simple to make with just a few ingredients, but the end result is a cookie that feels special and indulgent. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth this season.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Cream cheese for the soft and creamy dough
- Butter for that rich, buttery flavor
- Powdered sugar for the signature sweet coating
The full list of ingredients and their measurements is below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving (but try one while they’re still warm—so good!).
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- For an extra festive touch, you can add red and green sprinkles to the powdered sugar for a pop of holiday color.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and gooey in the middle for that perfect texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor twist.
- You can also stir in mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for added flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese (just be sure to check the ingredients).
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or even a cold glass of milk. Serve them at your next holiday gathering for a treat everyone will love. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in a festive tin or box.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds to soften them again.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular butter instead of cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to getting the soft and gooey texture, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting it. But if you don’t have it, you can try a slightly firmer cream cheese alternative (like neufchatel).
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, scoop and roll the cookies in powdered sugar before baking.
3. What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking can result in a firmer texture, which defeats the purpose of these gooey butter cookies. Keep an eye on them and bake just until the edges are golden while keeping the center soft.
4. How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colored sugar or sprinkles on top, or even drizzle with white chocolate for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
Conclusion
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. They’re soft, sweet, and buttery, with just the right amount of festive flair. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies will add a little extra joy to your Christmas celebrations. Happy baking and merry munching!
Print
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! With a rich, gooey center and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are soft, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. They are perfect for holiday parties or simply as a sweet indulgence during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened cream cheese, butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat everything together until smooth and well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. - Form the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat it generously. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed when still soft and gooey.
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a lemon cake mix for a zesty twist.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg